A Handsome Woodpecker Named for its Dashing Plumage

It’s spring, and with the turning of the seasons comes longer days, aromatic blossoms, and, after all, migratory birds. Blended in with the Southwest’s hummingbirds, warblers, and flycatchers is a good-looking woodpecker named for its dashing plumage: the Pink-naped Sapsucker. 

Pink-naped Sapsuckers (males and females alike) normally have a particular pink patch on the again of their heads. This necessary characteristic distinguishes them from Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, of which the Pink-naped Sapsucker was lengthy thought of a subspecies. The sapsuckers (red-naped and in any other case) are an anomaly amongst woodpeckers. The females of three of North America’s 4 species have pink markings on their heads, a subject mark normally reserved for male woodpeckers. Within the case of the red-naped sapsucker, the feminine has a particular white chin between her beak and pink throat, which makes distinguishing between the sexes comparatively simple. In both case, with a jaunty pink hat and a rakish kerchief of crimson about its neck, a Pink-naped Sapsucker may be depended upon to decorate with a way of debonair. 

The second a part of the identify, sapsucker, pertains to the feeding habits for which this group of birds is most well-known. In a lot the identical manner that we faucet maple bushes for syrup, sapsuckers will make rows of tiny holes within the bark of bushes. Instinctively, the sapsucker permits sufficient spacing between holes to protect the operate of the cambium (the “dwelling” a part of the tree trunk liable for the transportation of vitamins) and depart the tree alive, even with doubtlessly tons of of holes on a single trunk. As soon as sap begins to seep from the holes within the bark, sapsuckers are supplied with nearly all the vitamins they want. The sugary sap supplies carbohydrates and the bugs that present as much as freeload are an incredible supply of protein. A number of species of hummingbird have even been reported following sapsuckers to feed on sap and bugs of their wake. 

Scientific nomenclature calls the Pink-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis, the identify derived from the Greek “sphura” and “pikos” which means “hammer” and “woodpecker” respectively, and “nuchalis” referring particularly to the nape of the neck. The hammering habits of woodpeckers is extensively considered one among their most distinctive options, however every has a barely totally different technique, generally distinctive sufficient that species may be decided by the sound of pecking alone. The Pink-naped Sapsucker has a brief burst of pecks that slows in cadence, like a bit gasoline motor stuttering to a cease. 

Wish to see one among these good-looking critters? First, be certain you’re in the best place. Pink-naped Sapsuckers may be discovered year-round in slim ranges of southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, however are inclined to migrate a good distance, shifting as far south as Jalisco in late August, and all the way in which as much as central British Columbia and Alberta in March and April. When nesting in spring and summer season, the Pink-naped Sapsuckers choose soft-wooded bushes for the constructing of cavity nests—most steadily cottonwood, aspen, birch, and larch. 

As the hotter months rush towards us, Pink-naped Sapsuckers are on the transfer; a female and male pair has already begun buying across the Randall Davey Audubon Middle for a spot to boost a household. Maintain an open ear and a pointy eye—there may be a dapper-dressed sap-tapping woodpecker migrating by your neighborhood.